Seeped in history...

Hello lovelies...

Thank you for all your lovely comments following my last post.

It is so joyous for me to share my passion for my beautiful 

Fens with you all.

I know everyone favours the area they know best.... 

the area you were born into or the area you grew up in.

For me the ancient landscape known as The Cambs Fens

is deeply rooted within my bones.

My family history reaches back to a time when Fenmen waded 

through the boggy marshes on stilts; before there were dry fields and profitable farms.

Over time, man has forcibly sculptured every square patch of the land

for his own advantage despite Mother Nature putting up a big fight, resulting

in the flat land now famously known for the best arable land in the UK.

On a holiday in Cornwall a few years ago, a shopkeeper asked me if I had travelled far

on my hols...

When I replied I lived in Cambridgeshire,

 she quickly returned with "Oh....you live in the damp patch then..."

The damp patch?

Can't say I've ever been described as a damp patcher before!

A stubborn 'ol Fen bird yes.

A Fen tiger yes.

One of them odd fen folk yes.

But...never a damp patcher...no.

My Fens offer skylines that equal a winning National Lottery ticket.

Her sunsets are masterpieces fit for the Tate Gallery.

As a child I would sit for hours watching clouds, create characters

and building my own stories...

I loved writing stories and poems.

I take SO many photos of the Fens and her landscape you would think at my age I would be bored of doing so by now but no.

I especially love trees.

Fen trees have a special corner in my heart.

Any shape, any size...any age.

They are always full of silent energy that bring a smile or two

whenever I see them.

Prince Charles was famously ridiculed for talking to the plants and trees but

I have to say I'm with him on that one....

I'm a firm believer in trusting trees with their wisdom.

They know a thing or two about survival of the fittest.

The tough 'ol Fen winds whip up a Fen blow around 

their ankles that often cause distress to so many....

and yet they plod on like tired old soldiers to get to the winning post.

They hold their own.

They are like little treasure boxes holding secrets to our past.

If only they could talk back....

Off to grab a cuppa and do some slow stitching so

until our next chat folks...

Toodle- ooh for now!

Fenland Misty Mirrors

Hello lovelies...

November already?

Where does time go?

My poor neglected blog mirrors a very loyal friend who I return to when time allows and yet faithfully awaits my return for my next story...

As I am writing this post I am surrounded by the most beautiful Autumnal sunshine...

the sort that tricks you into thinking it may still be a little summery

out there but in reality it really is quite a shock to the system!

Spidery frost fronds decorate my garden with so many of Mother Nature's gems glistening in the sunlight.

Yes indeedy...Autumn has definitely set out her stall.

She is here to stay for a while so it is time to dig out those snuggly jumpers, tights 

and crocheted blankets. 

The array of colour, texture and smells delight my Virgo soul.

It really is MY time of year and for a couple of months I feel in vogue...

For me, Autumn has always been a reflective time of the year.

A time to start closing the door on life earlier in the day to snuggle under the warmth of home with my loved ones.

As usual I have a whole host of projects on the go to complete during the darker months which

will probably still be sitting there come Springtime but the intention is always good...

I have been working away from home alot this year doing various events and shows 

so it is extra special this year to be slowing down and putting my feet up a little more.

As much as I have absolutely loved doing all the events, exhibiting some of my work,

selling my kits, demonstrating various crafts and meeting so many beautiful people 

from all walks of life....

In truth, I am such a home bird...

My Fen roots are so strong that the feeling of nesting at home with my family whilst the

wild Fen winds blow all around me seep to the edge of every cell of my body.

I yearn for the simplicity of life.

Is that just a Fen thing or just an age related obsession?

So, with harvests all now in, flowers slowly fading, leaves finally falling 

and children already writing their Christmas lists it is time to wish everyone  

Happy Samhain

Samhain is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season

 and the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year.

Samhain allows my Fenland soul to rest her weary bones for a while and simply enjoy

the beauty around.

Don't get me wrong...

I don't enjoy the darker side of our year for so many reasons

but we must all embrace things in our lives that are often not our choice.

So with that in mind I welcome the dark into my life for a while

as best as I can...

As our rhythms of life begin to complete their full circle for this year we shall soon be moving on to the next circle.

Reflection...

2016 has been a very enlightening one for me.

I took a huge gamble at the beginning of the year to change direction slightly

and concentrate on projects I really wanted to do rather than was expected to do.

It was definitely a new direction to travel in, a scary one at times 

but none the less a very inspiring one! 

In allowing myself the freedom to explore through my much loved cloth and thread, my world of creativity has expanded immensely.

I've always enjoyed exploring and experimenting but lately

I've so enjoyed throwing loads into the mix of a textile collage, and just like watching a Victoria sponge being baked in an oven,

 watch it evolve right in front of my eyes.....

Capturing my ancient landscape with vintage cloth is just so beautiful to do.

I'm so pleased I haven't lost that 

well known dogged Fen determination deep in my genetic make-up to go against the grain... 

if anything I think it is getting stronger as I get older!

Either way it is making my soul so very happy.

"each new day is a path of wonder,

a different invitation..."

John O'Donohue

Until my next story...

Toodle-ooh for now 

February Maudling...

Hello my lovelies!

Just a quick post today...

Do you know that usually February sees ms in a gloomy state of maudling at times which sounds very gloomy doesn't it for one so positive?

It's just the greyness, damp and cold that dulls my smile nothing else..

I guess I must have a touch of SAD syndrome as by February I am craving a little brightness

My favourite projects are often hampered by the dullness of the short days

I know how important it is for each and every season and I wouldn't want it any other way because I would never see those gorgeous winter sights if it never happened would I?

The long endless days of grey finally begin to take their toll on this Fen bird by the middle of February.

I've struggled with this month for years on and off....

(even Shrove Tuesday and Valentine's Day never seems to convince me that February is a good month!)

you know that feeling of sluggish, damp dark days that never seem to get going no matter what you do?

So yesterday when a friend suggested a day out in the Fens for some photography I jumped at the chance to get out into some fresh air.

 We spent the whole day tootling around the country droves of the Cambridgeshire Fens

in the brilliant sunshine.

Isn't amazing what a little golden brightness can do for our smiles?

As you can probably guess by now I really do hate the gloom of grey...

I'm a sunny girl who likes a little colour in her life (even if that is only a vintage hue!)

Spring is packed and ready waiting in the wings

to help cheer our souls folks....

As we drove yesterday we saw such lushness beginning to breathe life back into the fields again

with all the crops beginning to grow...

"perfick"

Roll on sunny days ahead and cuddly smiles greet us again....

Tilly

x x x

Women & Thread Through An Ancient Tapestry

Hello my lovelies!

I feel it's been ages since I chatted to you even though I know it's only been a week...

Yesterday I had such a fab day out...

I trundled my way back to my home town deep in the middle of the Cambridgeshire Fens for a day filled of history.

I had my bag packed with all my supplies, my trusty camera at the ready and 

tons of smiles in readiness for all the delights that awaited!

I was a woman on a mission.... 

The reason????

I am busy researching for a few textile pieces based on my roots 

that I am going to be exhibiting later in the year.

I was born in the Fens (many moons ago I might add!) and have always known I'm a true Fen girl at heart despite now living on the outskirts of a city.

My soul is always soothed when I stroll home through the patchwork of  Fenland fields.

the wrap me with a warm soothing blanket that calms my soul whenever I need a re-assuring hug.

They are in my blood and what makes me who I am today.

This year I have decided to concentrate much more on my textile art and so like everyone

starting a new venture I am filled such enthusiasm

I want to bring some of my passion for The Fens into my textile designs.

I have decided to base my designs on Women & Cloth and their connection with threads throughout time.

I want to capture those beautiful tales of everyday living...nothing special

and yet so very special.

The little snippets your Grandma used to tell you but you never really listened to..

The sort of tale Great Aunt Maud would wander off into whenever she visited for Sunday tea...

like I say, nothing special and yet SO special

The Fens are renowned for it's myths, mysteries and tales of marsh men as well as 

the ghosts of the past wandering across the flat lands.

After a beautiful day of wonderful stories, photos and memories I was reminded of the mystery of the Fens as the sweeping mists began to cover the farrowed fields

Mother Nature can be so beautiful in the harshest of times

I will share some pics with you soon....

Tilly x